Two Days in Kansas City, what are your "don't miss" places?

The Picky Eater and I are going to be in Kansas City over 4th of July weekend to see the Sox and the Royals play and I've been going through Aaron's very useful KC LTH Index to get some ideas. We're driving so we'll definitely be there in time for dinner on Friday (we'll be at the game Saturday afternoon) and have some flexibility as to when we'll be leaving on Sunday.

Knowing that some places may be closed due to the holiday, what would your "don't miss" choices be if you had 2 days in KC? The Picky Eater truly is a picky eater, so I can't take him anyplace where, say, they only serve eyeball tacos. My last few trips to KC have been strictly business (arrgh, I can't face another business lunch at Lidia's for a few years) so I'd love to try some new places and would love some input from those with current experience.

Thanks so much in advance for your help, I'll be sure to post pics upon our return!

When people come to visit us 'in residence' in Montréal, we never fail to take them, first, to Marché Jean-Talon. Next on the list is Schwartz, then Au Pied de Cochon and then (etc., etc.)

But when I'm 'in residence' in KC, what do I do?? Hmmm. I guess that the first thing we do is go to Oklahoma Joe's bbq: it's in an actual gas station, it has some really good food, and the vibe is extremely kühl. Next, I take folks on a Saturday morning to the River Market to scarf some of the walkaround food—grilled sausages, coffee and pastries, Italian sandwiches, etc.—and then go to the awesome and stupendous Steamboat Arabia Museum on the east side of the market. A truly, truly amazing visit.

Afterwards there are some quite decent restaurants within five minutes' or so walk, e.g., the brewpub, Le Fou Frog, vietnamese, etc--there are resto descriptions on the River Market home page.

None of this is high end, or spectacular eating. But it is all VERY Kansas City, which is precisely why I do these things, in this order, when my friends come to visit in KC.

Geo

I had a great dinner a few months ago at Piropos on the Hill, a higher end Argentinian place that features great beef and seafood dishes It is more fine dining than chow.

http://www.piroposkc.com/

Thank you both so much for the suggestions, they are going on the list!

Well, I would eat all my lunches and dinners at BBQ places (not kidding). If you happen to be south of the city this place has great pastries: http://www.yelp.com/biz/artisan-francai ... rland-park

Besides the many BBQ recommendations I'm sure you've gotten, no trip to KC is complete for me without a visit to Stroud's for fried chicken.

stevez—

Duh, what WAS I thinking?? or NOT thinking, actually. Yes, indeed, Stroud's!

Stroud's is about 3/4ers of a mile from Oklahoma Joe's (and my house triangulates the two of them : ), so, if you have your hungries on, you could REALLY pig out!!

Geo

Really depends on what you are looking for. If it's "uniquely KC"-type places, hard to argue with BBQ and Stroud's. If you take Geo's suggestion of a River Market stroll on Saturday, Cascone's has an immensely popular breakfast that I've not partaken of. I'd avoid Succotash, which might tempt you. Also, there's a new "pig-to-tail" concept down there that may well be open by the time you visit, though I'm not familiar with the work of any of the principles. I visited the Delaware Cafe at that location, and the space was very nice. (Just looking at their site, sounds like they'll have some pre-opening snacks for sampling on the 4th, which may well draw me down there too.)

The Westside Local is another "coming soon" entry that I'm excited about.

But you probably don't want to spend your time testing out potential new hot spots.

The pork tenderloin at Kitty's Cafe and the carnitas sandwich at Pepe's are unlike anything I've seen in Chicago, if you're looking for humble but still accessible unique offerings. (Pig snoot sandwiches are also somewhat unique, but significantly less accessible.)

Of course, if you're just looking for a place for a comfortable meal and a drink, or just some really good food that aren't unique to KC, let me know that too, and I can hopefully offer some more pointed input.

teatpuller wrote:Well, I would eat all my lunches and dinners at BBQ places (not kidding). If you happen to be south of the city this place has great pastries: http://www.yelp.com/biz/artisan-francai ... rland-park

This is actually one of my favorites, I'm hoping we'll have time to hit it while in KC, perhaps a to go for the drive home.

Geo wrote:stevez—

Duh, what WAS I thinking?? or NOT thinking, actually. Yes, indeed, Stroud's!

Stroud's is about 3/4ers of a mile from Oklahoma Joe's (and my house triangulates the two of them : ), so, if you have your hungries on, you could REALLY pig out!!

Geo

I'm almost embarrassed to admit it, but I have a feeling we will hit both Oklahoma Joe's and Stroud's right in a row, it's too tempting to resist.

Aaron Deacon wrote:Really depends on what you are looking for. If it's "uniquely KC"-type places, hard to argue with BBQ and Stroud's. If you take Geo's suggestion of a River Market stroll on Saturday, Cascone's has an immensely popular breakfast that I've not partaken of.

The River Market stroll sounds excellent, as does Cascone's, I'm afraid it is going to depend on how late we sleep as the ballgame is in the early afternoon.

Aaron Deacon wrote:The pork tenderloin at Kitty's Cafe and the carnitas sandwich at Pepe's are unlike anything I've seen in Chicago, if you're looking for humble but still accessible unique offerings. (Pig snoot sandwiches are also somewhat unique, but significantly less accessible.)

Of course, if you're just looking for a place for a comfortable meal and a drink, or just some really good food that aren't unique to KC, let me know that too, and I can hopefully offer some more pointed input.

Having grown up in Central Illinois, I am powerless over pork tenderloin. Having spent most of my life in Chicago, I am powerless over carnitas, as well. The Picky Eater has a strong preference for "humble" places as he has made it through his 36 years without once donning a dress shirt or shoes, so accessible and casual are most helpful when dining with him.

Thank you again for the suggestions!

Ursiform wrote:

teatpuller wrote:Well, I would eat all my lunches and dinners at BBQ places (not kidding). If you happen to be south of the city this place has great pastries: http://www.yelp.com/biz/artisan-francai ... rland-park

This is actually one of my favorites, I'm hoping we'll have time to hit it while in KC, perhaps a to go for the drive home.

Though I haven't been by there in some time, I'm nearly sure Artisan Francais has closed. I also called the number on the Yelp link above and got a disconnected message.

Aaron Deacon wrote:Though I haven't been by there in some time, I'm nearly sure Artisan Francais has closed. I also called the number on the Yelp link above and got a disconnected message.

Sad, it would appear they are closed. Even the website is down, what a shame. I used to use them occasionally for small catered lunches for clients back when I spent time in KC for business.

I've been doing some advance work to make sure these places will be open due to the holidays and just discovered that Oklahoma Joe's will be closed on Saturday due to the holiday and that they are always closed on Sundays, so Friday night it is.

Any feedback on Dave's Stagecoach Inn? I have a friend who says it's a nice, laid back place to have a beer.

Aaron Deacon wrote:Though I haven't been by there in some time, I'm nearly sure Artisan Francais has closed. I also called the number on the Yelp link above and got a disconnected message.

Bummer. Guess I won't be moving back to KC any time soon!

Ursiform wrote:

Aaron Deacon wrote:Any feedback on Dave's Stagecoach Inn? I have a friend who says it's a nice, laid back place to have a beer.

I've only been once and we didn't stay long. The music was pretty loud and obnoxious, which makes me sound old, but it was just out out of step with the sort of empty, quiet, video poker playing vibe of the rest of the joint.

Pretty straightforward dive bar, I'm sure your experience can vary dramatically on any particular visit. I like walking around the Westport area where it's located, though, and there are many bars close by if the Stagecoach isn't to your liking. McCoy's is a local brewpub down the block with middling beers but perhaps the city's best patio.

For dive bars, the wife and I paid an immensely entertaining visit to Zoo Bar at 12th and McGee a couple weeks ago. I can't wait to go back.

Aaron Deacon wrote:

Ursiform wrote:

Aaron Deacon wrote:Any feedback on Dave's Stagecoach Inn? I have a friend who says it's a nice, laid back place to have a beer.

I've only been once and we didn't stay long. The music was pretty loud and obnoxious, which makes me sound old, but it was just out out of step with the sort of empty, quiet, video poker playing vibe of the rest of the joint.

Pretty straightforward dive bar, I'm sure your experience can vary dramatically on any particular visit. I like walking around the Westport area where it's located, though, and there are many bars close by if the Stagecoach isn't to your liking. McCoy's is a local brewpub down the block with middling beers but perhaps the city's best patio.

For dive bars, the wife and I paid an immensely entertaining visit to Zoo Bar at 12th and McGee a couple weeks ago. I can't wait to go back.

Loud is not really our speed either, we have a strong preference for places (restaurants or bars) where we can have a conversation without shouting.

Zoo Bar sounds intriguing - what exactly made it entertaining?

Ursiform wrote:Zoo Bar sounds intriguing - what exactly made it entertaining?

I may find alcoholism a little more entertaining than is good for me, I guess, and I'm not quite sure how to capture the various odd and interesting bits of conversation and color that transpired in our couple hours at the bar. The bartender and owner really made the visit, the latter gregarious and genial, the former infectiously cheerful. And the patrons quite colorful.

Here's a good write-up from the KC equivalent of Sean Parnell's Chicago bar project:

http://www.scootutopia.com/cgi-bin/bardetails.cgi?id=97

Aaron Deacon wrote:

Ursiform wrote:Zoo Bar sounds intriguing - what exactly made it entertaining?

I may find alcoholism a little more entertaining than is good for me, I guess, and I'm not quite sure how to capture the various odd and interesting bits of conversation and color that transpired in our couple hours at the bar. The bartender and owner really made the visit, the latter gregarious and genial, the former infectiously cheerful. And the patrons quite colorful.

Here's a good write-up from the KC equivalent of Sean Parnell's Chicago bar project:

http://www.scootutopia.com/cgi-bin/bardetails.cgi?id=97

I think this may be my new favorite bar I've never been too, Aaron, thanks! We'll definitely be there Friday or Saturday night apres game/dinner, perhaps both if it truly suits us.

Anything good to eat nearby?

We went to Grinders, which is a hipster sort of bar that serves a pretty decent New York-ish slice, tasty Philly cheesesteaks, and a first-time order for us of tater tots topped with chili and cheese whiz, which was delicious in a really gross sort of way. There are certainly some things not to like about Grinders, but enough to like that we return regularly enough. Beer list is quite good.

For something a bit nicer, Extra Virgin is a very enjoyable spot, a Mediterranean-inspired small plates place. Food won't blow you away, but definitely doable. Michael Smith, (next door to Extra Virgin, same owner; think Avec/Blackbird), is supposed to be very good, though I've never eaten a meal there (impressed by the bar food though). Harry's Country Club is another good country-styled bar (Hank Williams-style) with surprisingly good food, beer, and spirits (though not cocktails). Arun Thai Place is also close, and stevez (among many others) is a fan of at least one or two Thai Place locations.

Really, though, one of the nice things about KC is that every place listed in this thread (except the defunct Artisan Francais) is probably less than 15 minutes from downtown.

Oh, also, I really like Blanc Burger+Bottles in Westport. Great bar burgers.

Two other things, Manifesto is a recent cocktail bar arrival in The Violet Hour-vein, if you're into that sort of thing. You may hear good things about 1924 Main, but I've never cared for the food there.

Also, in the Crossroads area, if you're toodling around during the day, or hit Zoo Bar afternoon/early evening on Friday, Hammerpress, a print shop, may be my favorite store in the city and quite unlike anything I've seen elsewhere. Also in terms of shopping tourism, you may be interested to check out the kitchen store Pryde's in Westport.

Aaron Deacon wrote:We went to Grinders, which is a hipster sort of bar that serves a pretty decent New York-ish slice, tasty Philly cheesesteaks, and a first-time order for us of tater tots topped with chili and cheese whiz, which was delicious in a really gross sort of way. There are certainly some things not to like about Grinders, but enough to like that we return regularly enough. Beer list is quite good.

For something a bit nicer, Extra Virgin is a very enjoyable spot, a Mediterranean-inspired small plates place. Food won't blow you away, but definitely doable. Michael Smith, (next door to Extra Virgin, same owner; think Avec/Blackbird), is supposed to be very good, though I've never eaten a meal there (impressed by the bar food though). Harry's Country Club is another good country-styled bar (Hank Williams-style) with surprisingly good food, beer, and spirits (though not cocktails). Arun Thai Place is also close, and stevez (among many others) is a fan of at least one or two Thai Place locations.

Really, though, one of the nice things about KC is that every place listed in this thread (except the defunct Artisan Francais) is probably less than 15 minutes from downtown.

Oh, also, I really like Blanc Burger+Bottles in Westport. Great bar burgers.

Two other things, Manifesto is a recent cocktail bar arrival in The Violet Hour-vein, if you're into that sort of thing. You may hear good things about 1924 Main, but I've never cared for the food there.

Also, in the Crossroads area, if you're toodling around during the day, or hit Zoo Bar afternoon/early evening on Friday, Hammerpress, a print shop, may be my favorite store in the city and quite unlike anything I've seen elsewhere. Also in terms of shopping tourism, you may be interested to check out the kitchen store Pryde's in Westport.

Wow, I think I need to bring my stretchy-pants with me, I'm going to want to stop everywhere.

So, we'll be heading out tomorrow with a stop in Springfield, IL to visit my father. Our loose and subject to change plans, thus far, are:
Thursday - Cozy Dog & Maid Rite in Springfield
Friday - D&J Cafe (Springfield) breakfast, Oklahoma Joe's (lunch) Strouds (dinner)
Saturday - more than likely, whatever Kauffman Stadium offers for breakfast and lunch, Kitty's (dinner) & Zoo Bar (possibly the Hi-Boy Drive Inn as well in if we can squeeze it in)
Sunday - River Market/Cascones (breakfast/lunch), Gabatoni's or the Barrel Head (Springfield) for dinner

Anything glaring omissions or tips on the ballpark food? Can't wait to get there!

Sounds great, look forward to hearing how it goes.

Yes, wear your stretchy pants I think!!

Your program looks good, enjoy it, and take some pix!

At Okie Joe's, I like the ribs and the pulled pork is excellent. Fries are kind of neat, too.

We'll be waiting to hear how it all went!

Geo

Geo wrote:At Okie Joe's, I like the ribs and the pulled pork is excellent. Fries are kind of neat, too.

My favorite thing at Oklahoma Joe's are the pickles!

P.S. Your plan sounds great, but personally I feel you should try to work at least one more BBQ place into the itinerary. I'd recommend LC's or Danny Edwards (if they are open on the weekends). Of course, if you've never been to Arthur Bryant's, a pilgrimage might be in order, although I think the BBQ is better at the other spots I mentioned these days.

Gonna skip The Dr. of BBQ in favor of a loosemeat from Maid Rite, eh? Well, okay. I mean, it is your trip and you have every right to do what you want with it, even if it means totally ruining it...

No seriously, you need to go to Dr. of BBQ, here's his website:

http://www.drofbbq.com/

Now let's stop all this foolishness about eating at Maid Rite, shall we. I know it sounds all exotic-like, coming from Iowa and everything, but really it's just another chain joint serving sub par grub. Remember, there are people in other parts of this country where White Castle does not have a presence. These people think White Castle is the be all and end all of the culinary universe. But is it? I think you know the answer.

So do the right thing. Make your taste buds happy. Go to The Dr. of BBQ in Springfield. His big yellow trailer is just a few seconds north of the Cozy Dog. Pass under the viaduct and make a left. You can't miss it.

Try the ribs and have a great trip,

Buddy

stevez wrote:

Geo wrote:At Okie Joe's, I like the ribs and the pulled pork is excellent. Fries are kind of neat, too.

My favorite thing at Oklahoma Joe's are the pickles!

P.S. Your plan sounds great, but personally I feel you should try to work at least one more BBQ place into the itinerary. I'd recommend LC's or Danny Edwards (if they are open on the weekends). Of course, if you've never been to Arthur Bryant's, a pilgrimage might be in order, although I think the BBQ is better at the other spots I mentioned these days.

I have been to Arthur Bryant's many, many times in my life and, perhaps, I should make a stop there for the Picky Eater (who has never been), but I'm desperately attempting to prioritize. Bryant's just isn't consistent enough for me to plan a meal around it, but it's not a bad pit-stop. I do agree, however, that we should hit at least one more barbecue joint, I'll look at holiday hours and see what other place I can fit in, even if it's ala trunko on our way out of town.

Buddy, I am trying to fit the Dr. of BBQ in, it's one of my meal choices. My father is kind enough to let me have my way when I visit as I never steer him wrong food wise, perhaps we'll do BBQ, then Cozy for dessert?

Mmmm, nuthin' like one of Buz's Cozy Dogs smothered in chocolate sauce and whipped cream with a sprinkling of nuts on top! Oops, I think I just drooled into my keyboard.

Buddy

Avoid the BBQ at Kauffman stadium. I think it's Bryant's. It's bad.

teatpuller wrote:Avoid the BBQ at Kauffman stadium. I think it's Bryant's. It's bad.

The K was overhauled this year and supposedly has lots of new options like stadiums do when they upgrade their food. I don't really need much more from a ballpark than hot dogs and beer, so can't comment on any of the new offerings. Though I should note that while Boulevard isn't widely available, it is served at some (or at least one) concession stand.

The Pitch reviewed the K's new eats here. Sounds like a version of the Power & Light District.

Geo

Geo wrote:The Pitch reviewed the K's new eats here. Sounds like a version of the Power & Light District.

Geo

Good article, it sounds like they made an effort on the food. That being said, I'm a wee bit alarmed (it's the Chicago in me, I'm sure) that they didn't once mention hot dogs or the brand they use! Am I going to meet with skinless wonders drenched in ketchup?

They do, in fact, have hot dogs, but I can't discover the brand. However, the Hot Dog Derby before every game features a Farmland hot dog, so that might be an indication.

Geo

Geo wrote:They do, in fact, have hot dogs, but I can't discover the brand. However, the Hot Dog Derby before every game features a Farmland hot dog, so that might be an indication.

Geo

Argh, another Pepsi park! Are there any ballparks in the US that serve Coke anymore?

Farmland does not make me overly optimistic, but I'll certainly give 'em a shot. I'll try to sample as much as I can and post photos. As ballpark food tends to be unoffensive at best and disastrous on an epic scale at worst, I may be filing my Kauffman report under "taking one for the team."